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Double Glazed Windows Repairs

There are a variety of reasons your double-glazed windows could require repair including condensation between panes to draughts and dropped or sagged frames. Thankfully, most of these issues can be resolved.

Try lubricating the hinges, handles, and mechanisms of your door or window in case it is hard to open. This is a simple, cheap solution.

Broken Panes

When a window repair near me pane is damaged it loses its insulation properties and may cause drafts. If the muntins which divide the glass panes also broken, water can leak between them causing condensation or mildew, or mould. This makes your home less energy efficient. A window that is damaged should be repaired by an expert to ensure you get a perfect seal and maximum energy efficiency.

First, you'll need to remove the broken glass. Start by placing a protective drop cloth beneath the broken window and then cutting around the perimeter of the pane with an inexpensive glass cutter (available in a majority of hardware stores). Before you start, lubricate the cutter of this tool using a light oil. This will stop the glass from breaking too easily. Then, you can make use of the tool's ball-shaped tip to loosen the pieces, which should come away fairly quickly.

Once the glass is removed, scrape off any old glazing compound from the recess of the frame. This will reveal the glazier's clips and pins that keep the glass in the frame. Replace them if you notice any corrosion. If the window is wooden the glazier's gilder's points can be re-used if they're still intact.

The surface of the remaining frame needs to be prepared for the re-glazing. Apply a continuous strip compound to the recess using a caulking tool. Use a high-quality putty such as glazier's compounds that is contained in a cartridge or a conventional compound that comes in a tin. It should dry before reinstalling the glass. If the frame is made of metal clippings, they should be removed as well. Finally, reinstall the divider muntins.

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem that double-glazed windows can experience, especially in the wintertime. It's usually caused by high moisture levels in your home. Warm air is absorbed by cold glass and condenses to droplets of water. These then collect in the corners or frames of the window. You can avoid this by opening your windows more frequently and improving ventilation with extractor fans, and running dehumidifiers. If condensation is still present you should contact an expert who will be able to pinpoint the problem and repair or replace the windows if necessary.

It's also important to know that condensation on windows with double glazing could be a sign of a failing seal. The vacuum seal applied at the factory could wear away over time and allow cool air to get between the panes. This could cause the window to fog up and eventually grow mold if it is not addressed promptly.

A hairdryer can be used as a quick solution to get rid of excess moisture. This is a temporary fix and should be used only as a last alternative. If the condensation has been allowed to sit for too long you could be looking at dampness or even mould within your home, which should be addressed by a professional.

As a long-term solution, you can have your double-glazed windows resealed by experts. They'll remove the affected piece of glass, clean out the gap, and then pipe into hot air to evaporate any lingering moisture. During the process, they'll look for signs of damage, mildew or mould growth and carry out a draught-proofing treatment to ensure your windows are fully functional and energy efficient once again.

Draughts

Rubber seals may get worn out over time and cause drafts between the two panes. This is often a simple problem that can be solved by replacing the gaskets and this will result in a solid and airtight seal. This will keep the warm air in your home, and the colder air outside, saving you money on your energy bills.

Misted double glazing is a sign that the seals of the sealed unit (sometimes called a DGU) have blown. The unit is comprised of two panes of glass separated by the spacer bar to create an insulating gap and then filled with gas, like argon to make the window airtight. If the seal has been blown water vapour can enter your home through the gap. This can result in condensation between the glass panes which is not able to be removed.

This is a simple problem to repair and windows can be quickly replaced by specialists with the right tools. The expert will employ an instrument that is designed to push into the new seals. This is generally faster than doing it by hand. The tools also come with a pointed end that can be helpful to push the seals into the corners.

A professional could be able to seal your windows' by drilling a small opening into the window and then adding a desiccant, or putty. This could be more cost-effective than replacements, and will provide a reliable draught-proofing solution for double glazing.

Faulty Hinges

Misted double glazing is a frequent issue that many people face. It could be caused by a broken or cracked glass frame, or even a broken seal. It is possible to resolve this issue. Normally, this involves making an entirely new seal between the two panes of glass. The new seal will prevent leaks, condensation and draughts from occurring.

Contact the company through which you bought your windows and let them know of any issues when you notice them. Make sure you do this in writing and request them to confirm that they have received your notice. If there are any disagreements, having everything in writing will aid in proving your complaint.

In some cases, a upvc window repair near me repair specialist will cut the hole in your windows to draw moisture out and create the new seal. However, this is usually only a temporary solution and won't stop the return of moisture. It is also possible to replace the glass unit, which will ensure it is watertight.

Make sure that you only attempt DIY fixes if your skills and knowledge are sufficient. Super glue or other DIY solutions could cause more damage over the long term. It is always best to seek professional help in case you are unsure of what to do. You can locate an expert in your area who can provide double glazing repairs by typing your postcode in the search box on Checkatrade. Our tradespeople have been thoroughly vetted, and screened and you can be certain that they will provide top-quality service.

Broken Seals

Window seals, or insulation gas fills, keep double glazed windows in place. A variety of factors can cause them to break, including the weather, age, and power washing. It's important to know what the symptoms are and how to fix them.

When a window repair near me seal fails, humid air can seep between the two panes glass, creating fog. This is a common issue, and it can cause the window to appear visually distorted. If the seal fails, the inert gases argon and others are lost from the window, further reducing the glass's insulating qualities.

A professional glazier can replace a broken window seal with a brand new one. This can be expensive and may not completely solve the fog issue. Certain companies offer defogging solutions which include putting the vacuum pump of a specific type inside the window frame to eliminate the moisture, leaving the glass clean. This method isn't foolproof and doesn't replace inert gasses, which means that the fog could come back.

If the IGU (insulated unit) is damaged beyond repair, a glazier can replace it. This is typically the most cost-effective solution and can be a good choice if you're looking for an option that lasts for a long time. It's best to select an option that provides a warranty on replacement windows. This will ensure that any problems that you might encounter are covered. You can be sure that your investment will produce the most effective results. Alternatively, you can try to avoid this issue by choosing a premium window and following the manufacturer's care instructions. This will extend the lifespan of your window and decrease the need for repairs.